CANNABIS oil is available to buy in the UK in pharmaceutical shops, however there are various legal and health arguments surrounding its use and benefits.

The oil has been claimed to be beneficial for treating a number of ailments – and is at the centre of high-profile legal rows in Britain.

EPA

Cannabis oil is thought to help a number of ailments

Is cannabis oil legal in the UK?

Cannabis oil is a substance extracted from the cannabis plant by steam distillation.

The oil is available to buy in the UK and is not illegal, but products are required to contain less than 0.05%. THC.

THC (or Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive component in cannabis that makes users feel “high”. Cannabis oil is usually consumed orally, and has a very distinct taste.

Those who benefit from it when battle health conditions have called for it to be available, including such high-profile cases as 12-year-old Billy Caldwell.

Alamy

The oil is sold in high street stores throughout the UK

How is it different from CBD?

One type of oil or Cannabidol is CBD which has been promoted as a possible treatment method for those living with addiction or anxiety.

However CBD products – while legal – have not been approved for use in the United States.

It is also claimed that there are possible side effects including irritability and nausea.

Callie Blackwell speaks about secretly giving her son cannabis oil to help ease cancer pain

What are the benefits and could it be used to treat cancer?

Cannabis oil can be beneficial in a variety of ways, from helping promote sleep to boosting appetite and reducing stress, anxiety and depression.

It is also said to have skincare benefits, such as preventing signs of ageing and protecting against eczema and psoriasis, so can also be applied to the surface of the skin.

Though research is limited, there is evidence to support the idea that medical marijuana, which contains the illegal compound THC, can alleviate some of the side-effects of cancer including nausea during chemotherapy.

Whether or not it has anti-cancer benefits is not clear – however Macmillan says on its website: “Studies have had mixed results when used in clinical trials.

“Because of the mixed results, the general feeling of experts is that there needs to be more research into the chemicals found in cannabis and their possible benefit.”

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